Best Teas for a Cough: 6 Must-Try Healing Types!

Ever wonder why your grandmother swears by a hot cup of herbal tea when you’re coughing up a storm? For generations, tea has been a go-to remedy for all sorts of ailments, including coughs.

In this guide, we’ll focus on the best teas for a cough, look into factors affecting coughs, weigh the pros and cons, and offer recipes and blends.

So, prepare your cup of tea and get ready for some readin’ & sippin’ time.

List of the Best Teas for a Cough

Discover what teas are good for a cough and what options are available to you.

1. Turkish Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Turkish thyme is a herb commonly used in alternative medicine for respiratory issues. It is popularly used as a syrup for coughs and bronchitis. Köksal et al. (2016) stated that Turkish thyme has antiseptic, antimicrobial, aromatic, and antioxidant properties. The tea is a good dietary source of phenolic compounds contributing to its potential health benefits for coughs.

Brew a teaspoon of dried Turkish thyme leaves in hot water for about 5 minutes. It is generally safe to have 2-3 cups per day.

2. Lippia javanica

Lippia javanica is a plant native to Africa and the Indian subcontinent, often used as herbal tea. This tea has ethnomedicinal applications, notably in the treatment of coughs and bronchitis (Maroyi, 2017). Although widely used traditionally, more scientific studies are needed to understand its effectiveness in treating coughs.

Use a teaspoon of dried Lippia javanica leaves and steep in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Limit consumption to 2 cups per day.

3. Wedelia chinensis

Wedelia chinensis is an herb belonging to the Asteraceae family, primarily found in East and South Asia. Traditionally, Wedelia chinensis has been used for treating coughs and phlegm (Tsai et al., 2021). While Wedelia chinensis is commonly used in herbal teas for cough relief, scientific evidence specifically targeting its effectiveness for coughs is limited.

To prepare this tea, steep a teaspoon of dried Wedelia chinensis in hot water for around 5-7 minutes. It’s generally safe to consume up to 2 cups per day.

4. Sage (Salvia species)

Sage is an herb known for its wide range of medicinal properties. Sage leaves are often used as expectorants and disinfectants, making them good teas for a cough (Senkal et al., 2019). Sage has soothing properties and has been traditionally used for treating coughs and colds (Senkal et al., 2019).

Steep one teaspoon of dried sage leaves in hot water for approximately 5 minutes. Limit your consumption to 2-3 cups per day.

5. Licorice Root Tea (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Licorice root is a sweet-tasting root that is commonly used in herbal medicine and is one of the good teas for a cough. Licorice root has been traditionally used as a remedy for respiratory issues, including coughs and bronchial congestion.

Licorice root contains glycyrrhizin, a compound that is known to have anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. These properties suggest that licorice root can be one of the best teas to have for a cough (Asl and Hosseinzadeh, 2008).

To prepare licorice root tea, use one teaspoon of the dried licorice root per cup of hot water and let it steep for about 5 minutes. It’s advisable to limit consumption to no more than 2 cups per day, as excessive consumption can lead to adverse effects like elevated blood pressure.

6. Peppermint Tea (Mentha × piperita)

Peppermint tea is popular for its invigorating taste and aroma. Rich in essential oils, specifically menthol, it has been traditionally used to relieve coughs and colds. In fact, the menthol content can act as a natural decongestant, providing immediate relief for sore throats, and coughs by helping to break down mucus (Asl and Hosseinzadeh, 2008).

For those looking to find relief from a cough, peppermint tea can be consumed 1-2 times daily. To prepare, steep 1 or 2 teaspoons of pure organic peppermint tea in boiling water for about 10 minutes. If you want to know more about the other health benefits of peppermint tea, check out our article on the health benefits of peppermint tea!

Each of these teas is considered to be among the best teas to have for a cough. These herbal teas can provide relief, especially when consumed regularly.

What is Tea and How is it Influenced?

Tea is a beverage made from the Camellia sinensis plant or herbs and spices. It has been traditionally used for various ailments, including coughs.

Factors Affecting Coughs

• Viral Infections
• Allergies
• Environmental Factors

People often turn to natural remedies like the best teas for a cough due to fewer side effects and historical efficacy.

Who Should Drink Tea for a Cough

People who prefer natural remedies and those who have minor, non-persistent coughs may find relief in drinking these teas.

Recipes and Blends

You can blend Turkish thyme and Lippia javanica for an effective cough remedy. Here’s a recipe for a cough-relieving tea blend using some of the best teas for a cough:

Cough-Relieving Tea Blend Recipe:

• 1 tsp of Turkish thyme leaves
• 1 tsp of Lippia javanica leaves
• 1 tsp of dried Wedelia chinensis
• 1 tsp of dried sage leaves
• 1 tsp of pure organic peppermint tea
• 2 cups of water

Instructions:

1. Boil the water and add all the herbs.
2. Let it steep for 10-15 minutes.
3. Strain, pour into a cup, and enjoy!

Incorporating The Best Teas for a Cough Into Your Daily Routine

Include the best teas for a cough in your daily routine by setting reminders. Don’t forget to combine this with good hygiene and other natural remedies like honey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which tea is better for cough?

Turkish thyme is one of the best teas to drink for a chest cough due to its documented properties (Köksal et al., 2016).

Does tea stop coughing?

While tea can soothe a cough, it may not necessarily stop it. Consult a healthcare professional for persistent symptoms.

What is the best drink for cough?

Teas like Turkish thyme are considered good teas for a cough. Hydration is key, so water is also essential.

How do you get rid of a cough fast?

There is no quick fix. The best teas for a cough can provide relief, but consult a doctor for persistent symptoms.

When to See a Doctor

If your cough persists or worsens, consult a doctor. Look out for:

• High Fever
• Shortness of Breath
• Chest Pain

Conclusion

We have discussed various types of teas that are traditionally considered the best teas for a cough. Why not try incorporating some of these teas into your routine and share your experience?

References

• (2021). Volatile constituents of three thymus sipyleus boiss. subspecies from different sites in turkey. Turkish Journal of Chemistry, 45(6). Link Here
• Köksal, E., Bursal, E., Gülçin, İ., Korkmaz, M., Caglayan, C., Gören, A., … & Alwasel, S. (2016). Antioxidant activity and polyphenol content of turkish thyme (thymus vulgaris) monitored by liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. International Journal of Food Properties, 20(3), 514-525. Link Here
• Maroyi, A. (2017). lippia javanica(burm.f.) spreng.: traditional and commercial uses and phytochemical and pharmacological significance in the african and indian subcontinent. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2017, 1-34. Link Here
• Senkal, B., Uskutoğlu, T., Cesur, C., Özavci, V., & Doğan, H. (2019). Determination of essential oil components, mineral matter, and heavy metal content of salviavirgata jacq. grown in culture conditions. Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry, 43(4), 395-404. Link Here
• Tsai, Y., Chen, P., & To, K. (2021). Induction of polyploidy and metabolic profiling in the medicinal herb wedelia chinensis. Plants, 10(6), 1232. Link Here
• Asl, M. N., & Hosseinzadeh, H. (2008). Review of Pharmacological Effects of Glycyrrhiza sp. and its Bioactive Compounds. Phytotherapy Research, 22(6), 709-724. Link Here